Black History Month/CTE Luncheon
Everett High Celebrates Conclusion of
Black History and CTE Months
Inaugural Event a Celebration of Students and Community
Sparked by a student’s creativity and fueled by the collaboration between the district and city government, the Everett Public Schools hosted a celebratory luncheon inside the Crimson Cafe to mark the end of Black History Month and Career and Technical Education Month.
The first-ever Black History Month and CTE Month Luncheon, held on Friday, February 27, 2026, was conceived by Everett High School (EHS) senior Hayana Richemond, who brought the idea of publishing a Community Cookbook highlighting African American recipes, stories, and cultural traditions to the attention of CTE Director Siobhan Araya. From that sprung the idea to have EHS Culinary Arts students, under the direction of Department Head Carolynn Parmenter, prepare a luncheon featuring dishes from the cookbook.
“Our students used food to connect the meaning and significance of Black History Month with the awesome talents of our CTE students,” said Superintendent William D. Hart. “It was an awesome way to utilize our amazing CTE Department to recognize a significant cultural celebration with the community at large.”
In addition to Ms. Araya, Director of Strategic Initiatives Rosemary Hughes and City of Everett DEI Officer Simone Iman Holyfield organized the event. Mayor Robert Van Campen, State Rep. Joseph McGonagle Jr., School Committee Chairperson Samantha Hurley, School Committee members Robin Babcock, Margaret Cornelio, and Joanna Garren, Bishop Robert Brown and representatives from Zion Church Ministries, and Everett Bank President Richard O’Neil were among the attendees.
The menu featured: Traditional Cornbread with Honey Butter; Black-Eyed Pea Salad; Gullah Gumbo with Shrimp and Andouille Sausage; Blackened Chicken; Macaroni and Cheese; Collard Greens; Sweet Potato Pie; Banana Pudding; and King Cake. Students from every CTE program described the historical and cultural significance of every dish and shared what Black History Month and CTE means to them. The event incorporated different areas of Everett High’s CTE Department:
The food was prepared by Culinary Arts students; the recipes for every dish served during the luncheon are featured in a cookbook designed by CTE Marketing student Cibely Fernandes; and the 3D table decorations were created by the CTE Advanced Manufacturing students.
Tre’von Carrington, who graduated from EHS in 2025, delivered the featured remarks and told the audience: “Every plate holds a memory, every recipe holds love, every gathering holds a legacy, and every legacy holds power,” Carrington said.
That theme was echoed by Mayor Van Campen, who remarked that “food has a unique way of bringing people together.”
“My thanks to everyone who planned and attended the luncheon, and to the students who spoke so eloquently throughout the program,” said Superintendent Hart. “They are ideal representatives of Everett High, our burgeoning CTE program, and the City of Everett.”